5-Day Kimberley Charter Itinerary - Broome to Kununurra

Book a private yacht charter with an experienced skipper for a five-day Kimberley cruise from Broome to Kununurra. This setup gives you flexible schedules, the freedom to call on remote coves, and the option to tailor each day to standout attractions and the best blue-water moments.

Start strong with a morning departure from Broome, then glide along mangrove-lined shores, watching the spread of red cliffs and blue horizons. Your captain will guide anchorages near private coves where you can stretch legs, swim, and reset for afternoon cruising. You can travel further if weather allows, chasing light and calmer seas.

Plan daily shore visits using a tender or amphibious craft to reach pristine gorges and freshwater pockets without long drives. The itinerary spread across remote coves, tidal lagoons, and secluded beaches that reward both snorkelers and hikers, offering dramatic landscapes. Guests can prepare equipment themselves if they like.

Wildlife and landscapes claim attention: you'll spot birds along blue inlets, monitor lizards along shorelines, and amphibious species in tidal creeks. The crew shares safety notes and helps you time access to best light for photography.

Costs are dollars and depend on boat size, inclusions, and the season. Typical five-day private charters include crew, meals, gear, and fuel, with optional extras such as helicopter transfers or private shore landings. Check our website for current options and a quoted package that matches your dates.

Call the team to tailor the route, add a focus on certain attractions, and confirm the most comfortable pacing for your group. With flexible daily plans, you can spread explorations from red rock escarpments to sapphire bays and private coves, enjoying everything the Kimberley coastline has to offer.

Kimberley Charter Itinerary Guide

Book a covid-safe, private 5-day Kimberley charter from Broome that sails tropical waters, visits the buccaneer archipelago, and finishes in Kununurra; this setup gives you an overnight stop in sheltered coves, exclusive access to remote bays, and awe-inspiring scenery that you’ll remember annually.

Theres a planning edge: this route offers more than a single anchor point, a mix of short hikes and onboard meals, and you can tailor the pace with your crew. The captain handles weather, safety, and marine operations, so your focus stays on the magic of the coast through each pristine region.

The itinerary balances on-water time with purposeful onshore stops, including gorges, coves, and cultural stops. Expect a phenomenon of tidal movements, striking rock formations, and wildlife viewing that makes every day feel unique; pack a light jacket, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for shore exploration. Accommodation ranges from comfortable on-board berths to occasional shore-based options, all designed to keep the trip covid-safe and enjoyable.

For updates and booking, visit our website. The plan focuses on your comfort and the region’s awe-inspiring magic, with annual tweaks to keep things covid-safe and compliant. If you miss a stop, you still get a richer flavor of the Kimberley by exploring the nearby regions and scheduling an overnight stay to recover before the next stop.

Day 1: Broome embarkation – check-in window, packing checklist, and on-board briefing

Plan to arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled departure to complete the check-in, collect your cabin key, and join the pre-briefing on the quay. This buffer helps you settle in without rushing and ensures you’re ready for the first briefing.

Documents to bring: government-issued photo ID, a passport if required for your itinerary, your booking voucher, and any medical notes or dietary information we should know about.

Packing checklist: light clothing for tropical warmth and cooler evenings; a windproof jacket; a wide-brim hat; sunglasses; reef-safe sunscreen; insect repellent; swimsuits; a quick-dry towel; a reusable water bottle; a dry bag for electronics and a small daypack; power bank and charging cables; any prescription medications with copies; a compact toiletries kit; and sandals plus sturdy footwear for excursions.

On-board briefing: the safety briefing covers muster locations, emergency signals, and general vessel procedures. You will learn how to operate hanging storage, where to find the medical kit, and how waste management is handled on board. The session takes about 20–30 minutes and helps you locate essential gear and the muster station for your cabin.

Before you board, confirm your cabin assignment and any special needs with the crew. If you arrive earlier, you can enjoy nearby attractions or the Broome waterfront and return in time for the scheduled check-in window.

Day 2: Gibb River Road highlights – recommended stops, water safety, and wildlife viewing

Start the day with Windjana Gorge National Park at first light to spot freshwater crocodiles and a chorus of birds.

• Windjana Gorge National Park – 2.5 km loop, shaded boardwalk, abundant wildlife, and easy returns after a short stroll; stay back from water edges and follow posted safety signs.
• Tunnel Creek National Park – 1.5 km trail to a water-filled cave system; wear sturdy shoes and carry a headlamp if you plan to explore shallow pools; consider a guided option from a local promoter and check the australiacom site for current times.
• Bell Gorge – 3–4 km return track through dry rainforest to a dramatic waterfall; assess water levels before swimming and follow signs about safe access; prepare for a shaded, scenic pause in your itinerary.
• Galvans Gorge – short walk to a tranquil pool framed by rock walls; a scenic spot for a quick lunch break and patient wildlife watching, including kingfishers and small crocodile signs to heed.
• Manning Gorge or Mt Hart area stop – choose Manning Gorge for a shaded pool or visit Mt Hart Station for a coffee break with expansive views; both reflect the region’s aboriginal and pastoral heritage and fit comfortably into your day.
• Ellenbrae Station – owned by a local family; stop for coffee and scones, stretch your legs, and interact with hosts who share regional insights and tips for your next legs along australiacom and other local networks.

Water safety: Crocodile risk is present along rivers and some waterholes on the gibb; never swim in rivers unless explicitly signed as safe, stay on marked paths, keep children close, and wear supportive footwear on uneven bank edges. Carry ample water, sunscreen, a hat, and a compact first-aid kit; in september temperatures rise quickly, so pace your walks and rest in shade when needed.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and late afternoon yield the best sightings of birds and reptiles; listen for calls and watch rocky outcrops for wallabies. Use binoculars, move slowly, and avoid flash photography near nests. Respect aboriginal country boundaries, read interpretive signs, and keep a respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter.

Planning notes: For cultural context and to support local communities, read aboriginal-focused content on the official website and australiacom resources; discuss options with a promoter or chart an independent itinerary that fits your pace. This itinerary emphasizes scenic landscapes and nature experiences, allowing you to discover a broader part of australia's tropical north with a fully self-directed or promoter-supported approach. September offers comfortable daytime temperatures and clearer skies, making it a solid time to choose this route and enjoy the gibb in a relaxed, English-speaking environment.

Day 3: Horizontal Falls excursion – booking process, gear, and viewing spots

Book the earliest morning slot and request a private deck on the boat for the best light and calmer seas. To secure the booking, first pick an operator, then select date and party size. Next, enter passenger details, add accessibility notes if needed, and complete payment; you’ll receive a voucher by email. The reference code on the voucher gives you quick check-in. Fully review the terms and what’s included, then note the pickup point in kununurra if you’re continuing from there. If you miss any detail, use the operator’s help line here. Taking a quick screenshot of the voucher helps keep everything on hand.

Gear you should carry includes reef-safe sunscreen products, a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, a quick-dry shirt, swimsuit, towel, and a reusable water bottle. Pack a dry bag for electronics, a compact camera with protective housing, and spare batteries. Wear closed-toe shoes for the deck and a light fleece for early starts; moderate fitness helps when moving to the upper viewing deck. Here you may glimpse fauna such as cygnet swans along the rivers, and you’ll want to guard electronics against splashes on the pristine expanse near the kuri and east-facing shorelines.

Viewing spots maximize your time on the water: the main deck gives a wide view of the channel as the boat passes through the divides, while the upper deck offers steadier sightlines when the surge eases. If your operator includes a sailing-style segment, you’ll feel the rhythm as you ride the current. If your operator includes a seaplane option, aerial views reveal the full expanse of the rivers and the spread of the falls from above. On shore ramps on the east side, look for a closer look at the downstream currents and the fauna along the bank. Most guests take the north leg for the most dramatic light, and many itineraries connect this part with a short transfer toward kununurra and the homestead areas, giving you a sense of the united waters and the raw, pristine terrain you came for.

Day 4: Windjana Gorge and Bell Gorge – hiking options, best times to visit, and cultural etiquette

Begin at Windjana Gorge at first light to gain cool air and vibrant canyon walls as sunlight filters through the gap. You have two hiking options here: a short, flat boardwalk to the river and a longer loop that follows the Lennard River deeper into the gorge. The routes are flexible, with several entry points to suit heat or time, and lighting conditions can vary day to day. With a cautious pace, you can observe freshwater species along the water's edge and still stay on the safe side of the riverbank. This morning start opens up worlds of red cliffs and emerald water. There are no crowds whatsoever. The area itself rewards patient walkers.

From Windjana, a short drive along the gibb River Road leads to Bell Gorge. Here you can choose a quick stroll to the lower pool or a longer ascent to the lookout that overlooks the falls. The shorter option is roughly 1 km round trip on a well-graded path, while the longer route climbs and rewards with expansive views across the gorge and the surrounding country. In the dry season (roughly May–Sept), water is clearer and pools are accessible; in the wet season, trails can be slippery and water levels higher, so plan accordingly. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photos, with cooler temperatures and less glare from the sun.

Practical tips: bring water, wear sturdy footwear, and consider a barefoot option on clean sand sections if you choose; keep to marked paths; watch for sharp rocks near water crossings. The gibb River Road corridor can be hot, so start early and pace yourself. The area is rich in species and offers dramatic views, truly impressive. For updated details and practical itineraries, check the australiacom website; itineraries from several promoters help you craft a day that fits your flexible plan. If you want a coastline connection later, decide where to go next. There is nothing whatsoever restricting your plan; you can mix in some extra swimming or a short coastal detour if time allows and the conditions are safe.

Culture etiquette: respect the traditional owners; stay on marked trails; avoid climbing on rock art; ask permission before photographing people or sacred sites; during visits, keep voices low to preserve the spirit of the place. The land is owned by local communities, and visitors should follow local guidelines. If a local promoter or guide is present, listen to their call and step carefully on fragile ground; when staying near argyle Downs or other properties, treat staff and hosts with courtesy. Check the official website or australiacom for updates before heading out; this helps you gain reliable, real-time details for this route.

Day 5: Arrival in Kununurra – transfers, included excursions, and post-voyage extensions

Begin with a private airport transfer to your Kimberley suites for a smooth, stress-free welcome. Youre greeted by a guide who confirms your preferred pace and your chosen stop options, ensuring you have the best balance between rest and activity on your last day.

Transfers to town are fast and flexible. Consider these options for a crisp arrival:

• Private car: 10–15 minutes, AUD 60–90, door-to-door with bottled water and air-conditioned comfort.
• Shared shuttle: 25–35 minutes, AUD 25–40 per person, economical and social for independent travelers.
• Taxi or lodge pick-up: on-demand arrivals with flexible drop-offs at your chosen suites.

Included excursions give you a compact, high-value look at the region. They’re designed to cover sites that define the Kimberley life and culture, with time for photos and quiet moments along the rivers.

• Mirima National Park walk to lookouts over the rivers and sandstone walls; about 2 hours, with a light refreshment break and expert commentary on regional geology and plant life.
• Ord River river cruise, including a stops at vantage points where you can observe water birds, flora, and the way communities use the river in daily life; 2–3 hours total.
• Cultural encounter with a local Indigenous guide, focusing on regional history, living traditions, and reconciliation stories that enrich your understanding of the country you’re visiting.
• Farm visit at a Kimberley operation, offering hands-on demos of bush foods and sustainable farming practices–an honest look at how food is produced in this climate, with opportunities to sample products.
• Buccaneer-style sunset stop along a riverbank, complete with light snacks and drinks, offering a dramatic finish to the day and a chance to reflect on the two worlds of the Kimberley–the rugged landscapes and the vibrant communities.
• Photo and arts stop at local sites where artists and makers share stories behind their works–you’ll find unique products and pieces owned by regional creators, giving you a tangible connection to the region.
• Short data briefing on regional ecology, climate patterns, and wildlife, distributed as a compact packet you can review on your own time.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, these stops are crafted to fit your pace. Youre able to adjust the day to match your interests, selecting life-enriching moments that align with your goals for reconciliation, culture, and nature.

Post-voyage extensions keep you here, with flexible options that suit independent travelers and couples alike. You can extend your Kimberley stay by:

1. Two nights in Kununurra to deepen a Lake Argyle discovery, add a narrated flight over the dam, or enjoy a slow morning in your suites with a private veranda view; cost varies by season but is typically AUD 350–600 per person for added lodging and activities.
2. Three nights to cover a broader circuit of the region–more time for a farm visit, a wildlife cruise, and a cultural center visit; this extension pairs well with a relaxed pace and a chance to revisit favorite sites.
3. Two-night upgrade to a boutique lodge with guided regional walks, a private sunset on the Ord, and a curated food-tarmacy tour featuring local products; ideal for guests seeking independent experiences with expert guidance.

For those who want to weave in broader regions, extensions can be arranged to include Wyndham and the remote river country, always with a focus on safe logistics and personal pace. There’s value in a plan that balances what you see with what you feel, making your last moments in the Kimberley truly yours.